Pinetown photographer in focus

THE most appealing aspect to freelancing is the freedom and not being confined in to a rigid schedule and an office space.

Freelancing is popular in the creative industry as it allows creatives to be versatile and explore the work they really want to do.

Cowies Hill (Pinetown) based photographer and former Graphic Design student, Michael Holder, has been active in the photography scene since 2012.

Holder specialises in event photography but manages to do other freelancing work.

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He is more than a freelancing photographer, he is a content creator who is skilled at portraiture, capturing adventures with other local photographers and the wide variety of events that dominate the cultural spaces in Durban.

When looking at his Instagram portfolio, it’s easy to see how Holder plays around with aesthetically pleasing lights like a skilled cinematographer, but doesn’t pin down his influences to one thing.

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“My influences vary for different things. I think as a content creator, it’s important to keep an eye on what’s trending and why, and at the same time, keeping your work your own.”

Holder’s work is true to his personality which is understated but brilliant. In his adventures, he finds himself collaborating with some very talented artists. He has snapped well-renowned club DJ’s, Syzo B and Carly O.

“I enjoy collaborating with different creative people. I don’t do a lot of collab, but when I do, it’s normally with fellow photographers like Jordan Milton and Jason Lang. I recently did a collaboration with a friend who goes by Lee Who, where we just went out and created some cool content, in our free time.”

The talented photographer also highlighted the fluctuating freelancing market. “Freelancing is tough at times. You have some good months and some slow months. You have to find a balance and make sure your good months can cover the bad, but it would be like that anywhere.

“I do like having the time to try new things, though, and expand my abilities which I wouldn’t be able to do if I was working a 9 to 5 job.”

Holder also mentioned the politics between freelancers and clients, “I’ve had some great clients who see the value in my work and are happy to pay, but I’ve also had people trying to talk my price down and still ask for more,” he says.

“I’ve learnt to put my foot down. I think clients and freelancers need to communicate clearly before a job. So there are no problems later in terms of content,” he said.

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